House Votes to Clear-cut More National Forest Land, Roll Back Environmental Laws

Media Contacts
Mary Rafferty

Environment America

Washington, D.C. — Today, putting the interests of big timber industries ahead of the nation’s forests and the public, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1526, a bill to increase logging on land within the National Forest System. The bill, which also waived enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act in forestland, was sponsored by Representative Doc Hastings (R-WA) and was passed 244 to 173.

Aaron Weil, Environment America preservation advocate released the following statement:

“This bill turns back the clock on forest policy in the U.S., opening up some of our most treasured hiking trails, vistas and wildlife habitats to clear cuts. From the White Mountains in New Hampshire to Los Padres National Forest in California, our national forests provide irreplaceable recreational opportunities for the public, habitat for endangered species, and protection for our drinking water.

“Yet today, the House voted to dramatically increase logging on our nation’s forest while rolling back bedrock environmental laws including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, putting the interests of big timber industries ahead of our communities.
“We have already destroyed too much of our nation’s forests. Environment America looks to the Senate to stop this reckless proposal in its tracks and protect our forests now and for future generations.”

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